BMW 2 Series News

In a year when the overall car market shrank, all but a handful of prestige brands increased sales. Buyers don't just want a good car; they want others to see they have one, helping everyone from Maserati to Mercedes-Benz post gains.The trend is accelerating and a steady stream of new models in 2015 only adds to the impetus. CarsGuide looks at what's in store for the premium players this year.It isn't hard to foresee the popularity of the 4C two-seat coupe when it hits showrooms next month. This baby supercar uses a carbon-fibre tub, mid-engine layout and minimalist interior to present a modern incarnation of a stripped-down racer. Pricing will be $80,000-$100,000. The soft-top Spider is due in October. The Alfa Giulietta also gets an update.A steady new model rollout starts in February with the arrival of the TT coupe for just under $80,000. It will be joined by the soft-top roadster midyear and the TT S performance model in August or September. The plug-in petrol-electric A3 e-tron five-door hatch is due in May with an expected price of $60,000, with the Q7 large SUV due late in the year. Updates or variants include the A6/A7, RS6/RS7, A1, RS3 and Q3/RSQ3.New metal is in short supply at the British brand but two models will join the line-up, starting with the Vantage S Roadster at a shade under $420,000. If that isn't exclusive enough, consider the $500,000 Vanquish Carbon using the same V12 but with eight forward ratios in place of the Vantage's seven.BENTLEYChauffeurs will going cap-in-hand to buyers of the Mulsanne Speed for the chance to steer the best Bentley ever. A twin-turbo V8 cranks out 1100Nm - only the Bugatti Veyron can torque itself up as a more powerful production model - to push the 2.7-tonne limo into triple figures in 4.9 seconds. Pricing has yet to be set but if you have to ask, you can't afford it.There's a lot of product in the pipeline this year but only one all-new car. The X1 will switch to front-wheel drive when the second-generation model arrives in the third quarter. The X1 will look more mini-SUV than compact wagon, aligning it with the X3 and X5. Top-end versions will be all-wheel drive. Updates and new variants include the 2 Series convertible, X5M/X6M, 6 Series/X6, 3 Series, X4 M40i and X5 e-Drive.The 458 range has a Speciale A due next month. The 499 examples of the alloy hardtop model are already sold, meaning the $635,000 two-seater is likely to be a smart investment. Keep an eye on the classifieds.The struggle to be a serious prestige player continues for Infiniti with a major model overhaul due in 2016. A refreshed Q70 flagship is due midyear with a nip-and-tuck for the bumpers, updated interior trim and more safety software.The transition from niche player to prestige powerhouse is predicated on the XE sedan being a genuine rival for the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and BMW C-Class. Specs indicate the engines are up to the job, so it comes down to how well it can be priced in Australia. There will be updates for the F-Type coupe and convertible and XF sedan.Styling that echoes the Evoque and a premium interior mark the Discovery Sport, debuting in May. Essentially a replacement for the Freelander, the Sport is a serious off-roader with 600mm wading depth and four-wheel drive. Also expect a Range Rover Sport SVR, Range Rover hybrid and updated Evoque.A compact performance sedan, the RC F will cost $133,500, making it a 'budget' alternative to the Germans. The naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 isn't quite on par with the Euro competition but neither is the price. The GS F mid-sized sedan will use the same engine and is due later in the year, price undisclosed. The NX200 will get a new turbo engine.No new news is still good news for Lotus aspirants. An automatic Exige - the brand's first self-shifter - is due in the second quarter. Expect to pay around $9000 for the clutch-less version, putting the price above $135,000. An updated Evora should land late with less weight and improved interior.An 'affordable' McLaren is due late in the year with an entry level Sport model priced at more than $300,000. That puts it in the higher echelons of Porsche 911 territory - but still well below typical McLaren prices.Australia's top-selling prestige brand rolls out a range of new toys this year to expand its appeal. The action starts with the AMG GT and C63 AMG in the second quarter, both using a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. Skip ahead to Q3 and there's the new GLE (formerly known as the ML) and GLE coupe SUVs, followed by the CLA Shooting Brake and the much-needed GLC compact SUV. Other updates or variants include the S63 coupe, CLS, B-Class and S500 coupe.The action starts with an entry-level five-door Mini Cooper One at $25,600 in February. It is powered by a three-cylinder engine with 75kW/180Nm. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the John Cooper Works three-door hatch, which will be the Mini with the most mumbo ever when it arrives midyear at an estimated $48,000.There's plenty to whet the appetite for performance enthusiasts, even if it is all clad in existing bodywork. The base V6 and performance GTS Cayenne SUV models are due next month, followed by the Turbo S midyear. An update of the 911 should make it before Christmas and Santa may deliver the new GT4 Cayman at the same time.The XC90 large SUV is due midyear with prices starting from about $90,000. A more affordable alternative will be the V60 Cross Country due late in the year from $65,000. The elevated version of the V60 wagon will be sold in FWD and AWD guise.

BMW confirms Australian specifications and pricing for its first front-drive model.The all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer five-door hatch is now in local showrooms, priced from $44,400.The 2 Series Active Tourer range features two firsts for BMW, with it being the first front-wheel drive model to come from the Bavarian car maker, and the first to be available with a three-cylinder engine.There will be four variants of the 2 Series Active Tourer available in Australia, with the price-leading 218i, turbodiesel 220d and top-spec 225i in showrooms now. A mid-spec 220i will arrive locally in January 2015.Inside the cabin, the new Active Tourer gets a 6.5-inch screen controlled via BMW's iDrive switch for the multimedia, satnav and phone connectivity features. There are also 17-inch alloy wheels, leather multi-function steering wheel, climate control and synthetic leather upholstery.The 225i increases the alloy wheels to 18 inches and adds paddle shifters, leather seats, LED headlights and cornering lights.The $44,400 218i will have a 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a combined fuel figure of 5.2L/100km.The efficiency-leading 220d - 4.2L/100km combined - has a 110kW/330Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is priced at $47,800.The top-spec $54,900 225i has a 170kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission, a combined fuel consumption of 6.1L/100km and the ability to cover the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds.When it arrives in January 2015, the 220i will have a 141kW/280Nm version of the 225i's turbocharged engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a combined fuel efficiency rating of 5.9L/100km.The 2 Series Active Tourer has as adjustable driving modes; with 'Eco Pro' focusing on fuel efficiency, 'Comfort' for every day driving and 'Sport' tweaking the throttle, transmission and steering response for a more dynamic ride.Assisting with reducing fuel consumption are engine start/stop and brake energy regeneration systems.The 40/20/40 split rear-seats on the Active Tourer provide flexibility in available storage space, allowing the 468-litre boot to be expanded out to 1510 litres when the seats are folded flat. The base of the rear seats can also be adjusted forward to provide 130mm of additional rear leg room or rearward for additional boot space when the seats are upright.Safety features of the new 2 Series Active Tourer include front and rear parking sensors, automated parking assistance, reversing camera, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking system and active cruise control.

Drop-top BMW 2 Series and M235i performance variants break cover. The new 2 Series Convertible will join its hard-top sibling and the family-oriented 2 Series Active Tourer when it goes on sale locally next year.The 2 Series Convertible is more closely related to its coupe brother than the front drive 2 Series Active Tourer. With an identical wheelbase, the convertible sticks with the classic rear-wheel drive and longitudinal engine formula.From the door mirrors down the styling also closely follows the 2 Series coupe, but the removal of the fixed metal roof looks to have given the new model proportions that are reminiscent of the handsome E46 3 Series convertible from two generations ago. Unlike the folding hardtop 4 Series Convertible, the 2 Series Convertible features an electrically operated fabric roof which can be opened and closed in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h. As standard the roof is coloured black, while Anthracite and Brown are available as options. The 2 Series Convertible is effectively the replacement for the outgoing 1 Series drop-top. The new model is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, while torsional rigidity has increased by 20 per cent. BMW claim the increased exterior dimensions have resulted in a more spacious cabin and 30-litres of additional cargo space at 355-litres.  That figure shrinks to a still substantial 280-litres with the roof open. Globally, the 2 Series Convertible will launch with four different engine options, with six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions available. The range kicks off with the entry 220i, which is powered by a 135kW/270Nm four-cylinder engine capable of completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is listed as 6.2L/100km when the eight-speed automatic transmission is optioned. The 220d adopts BMW’s familiar 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit, producing 140kW and 400Nm - 5kW and 20Nm of extra punch over its 220d Coupe equivalent.  The diesel convertible can achieve 4.1L/100km in automatic guise, with a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.4 seconds. The mid-range 228i Convertible uses a 180kW/380Nm four-cylinder engine with enough gusto to hit 100km/h in 6.0 seconds, while capable of returning 6.1L/100km.  The range-topping M235i Convertible is powered by BMW’s mighty 3.0-litre single turbo straight six engine which pumps out 240kW and 450Nm. That’s enough grunt to push the 1675kg convertible to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds – three tenths slower than the M235i coupe. Like the M235i Coupe, the convertible adopts a unique chassis tune, bigger brakes, and revised aerodynamic and styling features. BMW claim the new M235i Convertible will have class-leading dynamics, but with an extra 130kg over the coupe, the hardtop M235i will likely remain the better driver’s tool.

The next direction for a score of small, punchy BMWs: power down via the front wheels. When the Bavarians switch ends, they do so with vigour - up to 10 Minis and 12 BMWs over the next few years will be front-wheel drive.BMW last week launched the 2 Series Active Tourer (pictured), its first front-drive car, based on its modular UKL architecture. The platform promises neat interior packaging, fuel efficiency and economies of scale.Front-drive BMW and Mini vehicles will account for 800,000 of the 2 million annual sales the BMW Group hopes to achieve by 2020. To date the group has confirmed three- and five-door Minis and five- and seven-seat Active Tourers.The company's spokesman for 1 and 2 Series models, Kai Lichte, says any vehicle smaller than a 3 Series will use the front-drive platform, which also accommodates all-wheel-drive.In line with this, the existing rear-drive 1 Series and X1 SUV are tipped to move to front-drive at the end of their current product cycles.A further FWD candidate is expected to be the X2, with the same coupe-styled roofline as the existing X4 and X6.Lichte says there has been no decision on the X2. "That's one of the cars we are flexible to decide," he notes.The only junior model not yet confirmed for FWD is the 2 Series coupe, launched late last year, which has earned widespread approval among driving enthusiasts for its dynamics. Spy shots reveal BMW will soon launch a convertible 2 Series and a performance-oriented M2."Reaction to the 2 Series was overwhelmingly positive and we just introduced those cars so we have time to make a decision," Lichte says.Ultimately BMW plans to only have two platforms for all models: UKL for vehicles less than 4.5m long and a common rear-wheel-drive architecture for the rest - ranging in size from the 3 Series compacts to the 7 Series limos.

Watch the hot BMW M235i take on the Cape Town CBD – sideways.What's cooler than seeing BMW's new 240kW/450Nm M235i rear-drive small coupe slide its way through the closed streets of the South African metropolis of Cape Town? Five of them in formation of course, and particularly so with the skilled hands of world-class drifters Samuel Hübinette, Rich Rutherford, Rhys Millen, Conrad Grunewald and Dai Yoshihara at the wheel. Directed by Hollywood stunt expert Mic Rodgers, and coordinated by Riley Harper, the M235i "Drift Mob" video shows exactly how naughty the M235i can be with the stability control set to Off. 

German brand reveals keen fitout for the upcoming 2 Series Active Tourer.

Watch the BMW 2 Series ad on our desktop site.Also watch: BMW M5 hoon video

With the BMW 1 Series convertible exiting the scene, we've been waiting for the 2 Series to arrive and fill the gap. And we're now getting a glimpse of how it will look in open form with Carsguide's spy photographer snapping a prototype testing in Europe.Expected to be unveiled later this year, and possibly arrive in Australian showrooms in the first half of 2015, the convertible will echo the styling of the 2 Series coupe.The power-folding soft-top -- which in these shots is retracted into the boot -- will keep weight down, with the aim of helping retain as much as possible of the car's dynamic ability.Expect the engine line-up to largely follow that of the coupe, which arrived here in February with the options of three turbo versions: the 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre 4-four-cylinder 220i, 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel 220d, and 240kW/450Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder M235i -- all mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions driving the rear wheels. A 228i will join the range later this year.Expect the convertible pricing when it arrives to start at least $10,000 above the coupe, which kicks off at $50,500 for the 220i and tops out at $79,900 for the M235i.

BMW is no stranger to front-wheel drive platforms for its Mini brand, but has always promoted the driving dynamics of rear-wheel drive for its own badge. However the times have changed, and the German prestige carmaker has just revealed its first front-wheeler, the  2 Series Active Tourer.The new multi-purpose vehicle will get a global debut at Geneva motor show next month, before rolling out into showrooms to face off against the Mercedes B-Class later this year. But BMW is already releasing official images and details of the vehicle -- and promising that its front-wheel driving experience still retains the dynamic quality the brand has made its byword, and "oozes sportiness from every angle".This is BMW's first foray into the MPV segment, and the brand is pointing to the functionality made possible by the front-wheel drive platform, which -- coupled with versatile seat configuration -- is claimed to make the most of the interior spaceThe rear seat slides and the backrest split-folds 40:20:40 to optimise the layout for either passengers or luggage, with the latter's 468-litre capacity able to rise to 1510L. A large rear tailgate -- with optional push-button or electronic foot-operation -- gives access to the boot, with a foldable  floor covering an additional hidden storage compartment with a divided tray. Under the bonnets are choices of compact turbo engines, with the range kicking off with the 218i Active Tourer's economical new 1.5-litre three-cylinder developing 100kW of power and claiming a fuel figure of 4.9L/100km mated to a six-speed manual transmission.The fuel hero 218d Active Tourer is powered by a 110kW/330Nm four-cylinder turbodiesel claiming combined fuel economy of 4.1L/100km, 0-100km/h time of 8.9 seconds and top speed of 205km/h. The range-topper for the launch is the 225i Active Tourer with a four-cylinder petrol engine developing 170kW and claiming combined fuel economy of 6.0L/100km, a 0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 235km/h.Fuel-saving features include engine stop-start, brake energy recuperation and optimum gearchange indicator, while dynamic ability is improved by the channelling of air from front bumper inlets along the front wheels. The interior gets the expected premium treatment, with a notable inclusion of the full-colour heads-up display system featured on the latest Mini, projecting information onto a screen behind the steering wheel rather than onto the windscreen like the rest of the BMW range.BMW Australia is keen to get the 2 Series Active Tourer here and into our market, spokesperson Lenore Fletcher says, although adding it is too early to get an indication of loal pricing and specification."Obviously we are very interested -- it's an new kind of vehicle for BMW -- and it's on our schedule for Australia. Timing would be around late this year, or possibly early 2015."This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott

As part of BMW's realignment -- and renumbering -- of its range, the new BMW 2 Series is hitting the sales floors in March priced from $50,500, a rise of $2500 over the 1 Series Coupe it is essentially replacing as a companion to the 1 Series Hatch range.The entry price gets you into a 220i Coupe, with the mid-range 220d diesel Coupe sitting at $52,500 and the range-topping, performance focused M235i Coupe at $79,900. The 1 Series currently offers 'M' spec only in a hatch version for $64,900, meaning you pay $15,000 extra for the coupe -- but also meaning it's still competitive against the $74,990 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG hatch and might also be against the Audi RS3 currently in testing and tipped to be launched this year.The 220i carries turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 135kW of power and 270Nm of torque that peaks at a low 1250rpm. BMW is promising a 0-100km/h time of 7.0 seconds fuel economy of 6.0l100km.The efficiency leader is the 220d's four-cylinder TwinPower turbodiesel at 4.4L/100km, also with 135kW but a hefty 380Nm of torque, and official 0-100km/h time of 7.1 seconds.The M235i's turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder delivers 240kW of power -- 5kW more than that M135i hatch -- and 450Nm of torque, getting to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds, shaving 0.1 off the M1351 with the same eight-speed sports auto gearbox -- but coming in 0.2 behind the A45 AMG.The transmission -- mated to all three engines -- features a launch control mode and F1-style steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. BMW is also expected to continue to offer the M135i's six-speed manual, however full specification details will not be available until closer to the launch date.BMW 2 Series pricesBMW 220i Coupé $50,500BMW 220d Coupé $52,500BMW M235i Coupé $79,900This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott